Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-12-30
Important Political Signs in Louisiana

The Northern public has long been well
informed ~ to the political crimes which
have been pcrpctrated In Louisiana against
Republican voters, especially those of the
colorcd race. More than forty years since
the Wing candidate for the Presidency
was robbed of large number of votes in
that State, If he did not lose the electoral
vote, BY violence and fraud. In 1876 the
Republican candidate came near losing the
electoral vote OF Louisiana hy violence
and fraud on n far larger scale than that
committed against the candidacy Of Henry
Clay In 1874. In 1850 and 1884 the Re
publeans in that State, with "a majority of
thousands, could they have voted with
out peril to life, were shamefully deprived
OF their political rights. But there seems
some probability that this kind Of
terrorism may be suspended at least
for while. BY recent advices from
New Orleans it appears that In
the light of recent events the provcrb,
"Whcn rogues fall out honest men get
their due" may be paraphrascd to read
"When Louisiana Democrats fall out,
Louisiana Republicans get a square deal"
The fight between two factions OF the
Democratic party, one headed by Cover
nor McEuery and the other by cx-Gover-
nor Nichols, for the nomination for
Governor. Is so bitter that 1t threatens to
cansea permanent split in the party, which
unless healed by the nomination OF third
man will enable the Republicans to elect
State ticket and will certainly give them
control of Il number OF parish offices. and
such an increase in their representation in
the legislature as may enable them to hold
the balance of power in the selection OF a
United States Senator. This result would,
of course, depend on an honest election.
Recently Governor McEnery in speech
made In New Orleans, said:
lpledge you here tonight that not only in
the city of New Orleans, but throughout the
State of Louisiana, l win see an honest and
fair election, that will see that every vote
cast is counted as deposited and that no sub
stitution of ballots is practised, but that the
voice of all the voters in the State as depos-
tied in the bsllot-box shall find expression
and receive recognition and the officers elect
ed commissioned To that end will remove
any register or returning officer in the city or
State that have reason to believe will aid in
the suppression or changing of the popular
will
"rhe Times-Democrat," in commenting
on the speech this morning. said:
There is no installing the meaning of Gov
ernor McEnery's remarks. They are too
plain and explicit not to be understood by ali.
and every one who knows him knows that he
never makes pledge that he does not intend
to carry out.
The mex. legislature is to choose sue
cesso.s to Senators Gibson and Curtis.
Senator Gibson Is a candidate for rc-elec
ton. lie has been leader OF the Nichols
party, aud to his skilful management is
due the successes Of the Nichols men In
number Of parishes which were regarded
~ certain for McEnery. The feeling
against him in the McEnery ranks is in
tense, and II anybody will lose BY large
increase in Republican representation in
the legislature, It will be he. Under these
circumstances the speech Of McEnery is
regarded rs significant, and it Is generally
believed that Governor McErery meant
every word he said and that the ne It eles,-
ton will be fair one. The result may
be the defeat Of Gibson and the election
OF . Republican from the State to the
United States Sonata.